[Wayne C.]

Throw this wrench into the mix-

the most students a hotel room will allow in any of the Steele Meeting hotels is 4 per room. The fifth person presents a problem. You also assume all the students are the same sex.

So it seems to me that the money for the 5 to travel be split up for at least 8 students and that they should pay for the rest of the cost of their trip.

As for Jim and Sam- Jim deserves to go. That much is clear. Our team involves the kids earning a spot for each year, just like earning a spot on a football squad. Sam had 3 years to step up and work. Did he?

It would be great if everybody would work equally hard and we would have oodles of funds for all to travel. If all worked to the utmost we would have that support. They ALL can go to our local event where the travel costs are lower. But logistically to take 60+ kids to Atlanta and keep them out of trouble, fed, transported and amused is a major undertaking that some insist on abusing. And if they aren't working for the team we really need to ask are they really a part of that team?

I am reminded of a CD quote from years ago- "sometimes it is not what the kid can do for the team but rather what the team can do for the kid" - source ?-sorry!
So we try to allow the best and the hardest working to go. All have a fair chance to prove their worthiness and we push a few along besides with the hopes we can spark them to blossoming.


WC